This course compares the government and politics of the UK and the USA. It will begin by considering how these countries were formed and how their historical evolution shapes aspects of their contemporary politics. The course then examines fundamental aspects of the governing systems within the two countries. It then goes on to explore in more detail the main political institutions and actors within each country, and their contributions to the operation of government and politics. Finally, the course will explore some major political issues: the role of government in the management of the economy in both countries; their foreign policies; and the respective responses of the USA and UK to the Covid-19 crisis. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to consider the USA and UK not only as interesting countries in their own right but as examples of broader, central themes in the study of comparative politics.